Chapter 138: You really missed me? You'll have to give me some proof (6000)

The air grew hotter and more urgent, their heartbeats pounding like the exhilarating war drums before a battle. Suddenly, Ling Feng opened his eyes and pulled away from Jin’er’s lips, his gaze filled with longing yet tinged with nervous hesitation, as if wrestling with some inner conflict.

Jin’er slowly opened her eyes and met his tangled, tender look. Her heart tightened; flustered and shy, she averted her gaze, afraid to meet his eyes. Her chest rose and fell rapidly, her breath lingering in unrest.

Just as she intended to scold him to leave, he spoke first. “Can I hold you through the night? Just… hold you.” His cheeks, already faintly flushed, deepened to a rosy glow by the end of his words.

Jin’er was momentarily stunned, then looked up at him again. Seeing his serious expression marked by nervousness and bashfulness, with a trace of restrained desire in his eyes, she realized he was still a tender young man, surprisingly mindful of boundaries.

She found this quite endearing. Yet, she still refused him.

“No, you can’t.” She wasn’t doubting his pure intentions nor fearing he might lose control; rather, if he held her like this through the night, the one who might suffer the most wouldn’t necessarily be him…

Hearing her gentle refusal, Ling Feng felt a pang of disappointment but found himself unwilling to leave.

“The prince says yes means yes!” he declared with a playful tantrum, his hand snaking around her waist, pulling her firmly into his embrace, holding her tight to prevent her from leaving.

“You! Let me go!” Jin’er struggled in frustration. She was just thinking how unspoiled he was, praising him in her heart, when suddenly he turned like this.

“Ah! That hurts! Are you a dog or what? Why are you biting me?!” A sharp pain shot through her shoulder, and she immediately stopped struggling, too wary to move.

Ling Feng released her briefly, a half-smile playing on his lips. “If you don’t agree, I’ll just keep biting and won’t let you go tonight.” With that, he bit her shoulder again, but gently this time, more as a warning.

“You! Shameless dog! Hmph!” Jin’er rolled her eyes, utterly speechless.

After a tense moment, with her clothes nearly soaked by his saliva, Jin’er relented. “Alright, alright, let’s sleep. I’m tired.” She pouted and closed her eyes, the fire of desire in her body cooling completely after his antics.

Hearing this, Ling Feng loosened his bite and smiled softly. Seeing her asleep, he gently pulled a nearby quilt over them, tenderly stroked her long hair, and closed his eyes contentedly.

At that moment, he was grateful he hadn’t given up on life back then; otherwise, he would never have known such happiness.

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The next morning, when Ling Feng awoke, Jin’er was no longer in his arms. If he hadn’t been lying on her soft couch, he would have thought it was all a beautiful dream.

He buried his face in the quilt, breathing in her faint fragrance, a subtle smile tugging at his lips, an indescribable happiness swelling in his heart.

Glancing outside, the sky was bright; sunlight streamed through the window lattice. He rose and called for attendants to help him wash and dress.

“Where is she?”

The maid was momentarily taken aback, then understood he meant the healer. “She just finished breakfast and is now in the courtyard enjoying the sun.”

Ling Feng chuckled softly and said no more, quietly cleansing himself.

Meanwhile, Jin’er reclined against a stone bench with her eyes closed, arms stretched along the long backrest, legs crossed, basking in the winter sunshine warming her body and face.

It felt so pleasant that she soon felt drowsy. Just as she was about to drift off, a strange sensation touched her lips. She snapped her eyes open to find a pair of familiar, yet somewhat weary, phoenix-like eyes staring at her. Her racing heart gradually calmed.

The visitor slowly withdrew his lips and sat beside her.

“Yue, you’re back!” Jin’er blinked, joyfully straightening up and linking her arm through his.

Qing Yue turned his head, and Jin’er noticed he had grown thinner.

“It seems my longing for you in prison was one-sided after all,” he murmured with a hint of sorrow, words that struck a chord deep within Jin’er’s guilt.

“How could that be? I’ve been worried about you all along. Yesterday, the emperor said you’d be released today, and I’ve been eagerly waiting right here for you,” Jin’er said playfully, batting her eyelashes.

Seeing her like this, Qing Yue had no grounds for complaint; his heart melted utterly. Turning, he embraced her, gazing into her clear, enchanting apricot eyes, a gentle smile brushing his lips. “Did you really miss me?”

Jin’er smiled and nodded, eyes fixed unwaveringly on his exquisite face, enchanted by his peach blossom-like smile.

“Then you’ll have to show me proof.”

“Proof?” Jin’er repeated, puzzled.

Qing Yue only smiled silently, lowering his gaze and tilting his head as he leaned in close—pausing just before their lips met.

Jin’er understood immediately, biting her lip with a smile, parted her lips slightly, and pressed a soft kiss against his tender, delicate red lips.

A gentle smile curved Qing Yue’s lips. His half-closed eyes shimmered with warmth as he slowly closed them, one hand cradling her face, returning her kiss with tenderness and passion.

The days in prison had felt endless. All he could think of was her. That bone-deep yearning made him realize he was hopelessly and utterly in love.

“Bang!” A harsh crash of shattered dishes interrupted their tender moment.

“Get out! I’m not eating! Take it all away, now!” an angry voice rang out, followed by a frightened maid quickly retreating with the tray.

Jin’er frowned and turned to Qing Yue, telling him to go back to his room and freshen up. Seeing him nod and leave, she rose and headed toward Ling Feng’s chamber.

“What’s going on?” she asked the maid standing at the door.

“The prince suddenly flew into a rage...” The maid bit her lip, glanced at Jin’er, then at Qing Yue’s retreating figure, hesitating to speak further.

Jin’er followed her gaze to Qing Yue’s pale form, her brow furrowing slightly as she guessed what the maid meant. She ignored her and entered the room.

“Get out! I said I’m not eating!” A fierce shout came from inside just as Jin’er stepped in.

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She stopped, looking at his angry back and the clenched fists resting on the table, a strange mix of unease, sadness, and perhaps a hint of guilt stirring within her.

Taking a deep breath, Jin’er forced a smile. “Why get so mad so early in the morning?” she teased, stepping closer.

At her voice, Ling Feng stiffened, silence replacing his outburst, yet he did not turn around. Only when Jin’er stood behind him did he suddenly spin and grasp her arms tightly.

“Ah! You’re hurting me! Let go!” Jin’er scolded, but before she could say more, a wave of pressure swept over her as he pressed a fierce kiss onto her lips.

“Mm…” He kissed her fiercely, nibbling her lips until they hurt.

She could feel his anger, that much was clear.

After a while, he showed no sign of stopping. Jin’er summoned her inner strength and pushed him away hard.

“You’re hurting me!” she complained, stroking her swollen lips.

“I hurt more!” Ling Feng shouted, his eyes red, pointing to his chest.

Jin’er had never seen him this angry—more intense than any previous outburst.

She watched him silently for a moment, then sighed deeply, lowering her eyes. “I’m sorry.” She struggled for words but could say no more, biting her lip as she turned to leave.

No sooner had she taken a step than Ling Feng advanced, grabbing her wrist fiercely and pulling her back.

“Is 'sorry' enough? Don’t you think you should say more?” he asked, teeth clenched in frustration.

“What else?” Jin’er avoided his gaze, faltering.

“Tell me how you could kiss me last night and be with another man the very next morning!” Ling Feng accused bitterly. “You’re usually so rude, but how can you be so fickle?!” He refused to believe she was that kind of woman—he really didn’t!

Jin’er looked up at him in surprise. Fickle? Rude? “If I’m fickle, then fine. Now that you see my true face, will the crown prince let go?” she said expressionlessly, eyes fixed on his large hand still gripping her wrist tightly.

Ling Feng ground his teeth, glaring at her, wanting to shake her off but unable to loosen his grip—instead, he held tighter.

What kind of woman was she? Sometimes, he truly didn’t understand her at all.

“I don’t care what entanglements you had with him before. Now, you belong to me!” Ling Feng declared possessively.

Jin’er smiled wryly. “Really? Isn’t there such a thing as first come, first served?”

Ling Feng was taken aback, then frowned, surprised by her favoring Qing Yue. After a moment, he raised his chin slightly and scoffed, “Can he compare to me? I am the crown prince, future emperor of Tuguo. I can give you everything you want.”

“Heh…” Jin’er laughed softly. “Sorry, your status is actually your biggest weakness. If I truly wanted to be some empress, it wouldn’t be your place at all.” With that, taking advantage of his confused expression, she broke free from his hand and strode out gracefully.

Well, it was for the best—there was no future for them anyway. Better to be honest and spare each other some pain, though a trace of reluctance and heartache lingered.

Ling Feng sat down on a stool inside, dazed, her words echoing in his ears.

What did she mean? What exactly did those words mean?

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“Your Highness, the healer and Master Qing Yue are practicing the zither in the pavilion.”

“Your Highness, the healer and Master Qing Yue are sunbathing.”

“Your Highness, the healer and Master Qing Yue have been taken away by Lord Zhang for treatment.”

“…”

“Your Highness, the healer and Master Qing Yue…”

“Get lost!” Ling Feng slammed his teacup to the ground, startling the attendant reporting Jin’er’s whereabouts into a tremble before hastily retreating.

For days, he and Jin’er barely spoke. She came three times daily to deliver medicine, taste dishes, and take his pulse, but otherwise, she was always with Qing Yue, even moving into another side room.

At first, he sulked and ignored her, but after several days, he realized he was the only one truly hurting. It was hard to accept. Why like this? Had she never truly cared for him? It couldn’t be—he could feel that she liked him…

Finally, at dinner, when Jin’er appeared, Ling Feng could no longer pretend to ignore her. As she took his pulse, he grasped her delicate hand.

Jin’er froze, trying to pull away but he held on tight.

“Did you ever like me?” Ling Feng asked seriously, looking into her eyes.

“Now is no time for this. We can never be together,” Jin’er said softly, meeting his gaze.

“Never together? Then why did you treat me that way?” Ling Feng said angrily.

“How did I treat you? I never said I liked you, did I? I never kissed you first, either. That night, you insisted on sleeping by my side, didn’t you?” Jin’er’s words startled Ling Feng, a hurt expression flashing in his eyes. Her heart tightened; she suddenly regretted speaking so plainly.

But words once spoken cannot be taken back. Let it be… better a quick pain than a prolonged one.

“So, you mean… you never liked me at all?” Ling Feng asked painfully, feeling his heart shatter into countless fragments, struggling to breathe yet still clinging to a faint hope.

Jin’er met his pained, anxious eyes, her own heart tightening with pain and sorrow. She feared seeing the man she loved hurt like this—it softened her resolve.

Yet, she clung to her last shred of reason. They could never be together. Before, caught in a moment of passion, she hadn’t thought it through. Now she knew her heart—she did truly like him, but the more so, the more she wished to protect him from pain. She didn’t want him to become another Mo Yan…

With that thought, Jin’er took a deep breath and said coldly, “No. Never.”

Ling Feng clearly heard the sound of his heart breaking. His grip on her hand faltered as if it lost support, then fell limply by his side, swaying gently.

Jin’er saw this and felt the pain deep within. Yet she remained expressionless, stood up, and left.

The room was so still one could hear a pin drop. Ling Feng stared blankly at the floor, and after a long while, a single tear slid down his cheek.

He had never truly lost anything. Anything he wanted or didn’t want, the emperor provided. Even the empress’s love was something he had never obtained, not truly lost. But her… He had her affection, yet suddenly, he felt utterly lost—so suddenly and completely.

He didn’t understand why she could change so abruptly and become so cold and ruthless toward him. Was it his fault? Should he not have forced her to choose between him and Qing Yue? But if she loved him, shouldn’t she have stopped liking others?

Jin’er… I cannot lose you. I must not.

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Under the dim night, three shadowy figures silently avoided the palace guards outside the crown prince’s chamber and arrived at Qing Yue’s room. As it was a side chamber, the patrols were sparse.

Two agile black-clad men silently approached the window. One moistened the paper with saliva, inserted a bamboo tube, and blew smoke through it.

They nodded to the third man, who silently moved aside to keep watch.

The third man glanced around, waited, then carefully picked the bolt and gently opened the door.

Inside, he lit an oil lamp, and the dark room brightened with a warm, hazy glow.

“Who’s there?!” Though wary and angry, the voice lacked any true force, sounding strange somehow.

Qing Yue’s cheeks flushed a deep red; his body was weak and limp, unable even to sit up properly. He glared drowsily at the intruders.

The black-clad man stepped closer, his eyes flashing with excitement upon seeing Qing Yue’s alluring face. Slowly, he lifted his veil, revealing a triumphant smile.

“It’s you?” Qing Yue said hoarsely, a surge of panic rising.

“Yes, it’s me. Hmph! Thanks to you, my promising future is ruined. The day after tomorrow, I’m to be married off to Jinguo. After much thought, I can’t accept this fate.”

“You know? From the moment I saw you, I was captivated. No man has ever obsessed me like this. I even thought, once I become queen, you’d be the perfect consort. But alas…”

“Now, with things as they are, I cannot bear it. So before I leave, I intend to have you!”

With that, Yun Shang sat by the bed, her slender jade-like hand caressing Qing Yue’s flushed, delicate face. The exquisite touch made her sigh softly.

“You are so beautiful… no wonder I dream of having you. Who else in this world could be more fitting to rule the queen’s harem?”

Qing Yue tried to recoil but was too weak. Her faint touches sent shivers through him, his breath quickening. His fiery eyes grew more glazed as his reason struggled.

“Hel-hel-hel-hel-hel…” He tried to call out, but no sound came, and no one was outside the door.

Yun Shang smiled seductively, placing her delicate hand over his luscious lips. “I must warn you: if you ask me to leave now, you’ll regret it. I’ve gone to great lengths to find this exquisite aphrodisiac—my first time using it.”

“It’s said to work only on men. At first, the body weakens and becomes powerless. Then, as the effect intensifies, the body recovers but becomes overwhelmed with desire to possess and conquer the woman before him…”

She spoke as she tilted her head, eyes filled with charm, her fingers slowly leaving his lips, trailing down his smooth jaw and neck, delighting in his trembling, sensitive body.

Her hand slid over his chest and abdomen, finally resting on his hardened, burning arousal. Qing Yue closed his eyes, groaning in a mixture of pain, longing, and restraint, his flushed cheeks burning fiercely.

Hearing this, an intense desire flared within Yun Shang’s heart and body. She bit her lip gently and began to caress him softly.

“What a perfect man… open your eyes and look at me. Soon, you’ll be as enchanted with me as I am with you.”

She removed her headband, letting her long hair cascade like a waterfall, dressed in black nightwear that made her seem like a sylph beneath the night sky.

Qing Yue breathed rapidly, his watery phoenix eyes filled with desire. His fingers twitched as his strength slowly returned.

“Wake up quickly. I long for the moment you hold me in your arms…” Yun Shang whispered nervously and excitedly, leaning closer to his lips.

Just as she was about to kiss him, a commotion erupted outside.

Yun Shang’s face darkened with rage; she clenched her silver teeth. She withdrew her hand in annoyance and strode toward the door.

At the doorway, there was a loud crash as something burst in. She narrowly dodged the object, which turned out to be one of her guards.

She knew this mission couldn’t afford mistakes, so she had selected her two strongest bodyguards—but apparently, they were not enough. Damn it!

Gritting her teeth, she looked outside to see a figure in white battling another guard. Without weapons, only a white fan in hand, every strike was deadly.

The fallen guard struggled to stand, blood at his mouth. He whispered into Yun Shang’s ear, “Your Highness, this woman is difficult to deal with. We should retreat quickly—if more guards arrive, escape will be impossible.”

Yun Shang glared at Jin’er, recalling how many assassins had died by her hand, fury biting at her heart. Her prize was snatched again—damned!

She glanced unwillingly at Qing Yue on the bed, then gritted her teeth and rushed out the door.

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